REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Minister of Commerce (Mendag) Zulkifli Hasan and Italian Ambassador to Indonesia, East Timor, and ASEAN Benedetto Latteri discussed Indonesian export opportunities to Europe through the Ports of Genova and Trieste.

“We are exploring export opportunities to the EU through the Port of Genoa and the Port of Trieste in Italy offered by Ambassador Latteri. The advantage of Indonesia exporting through both ports is its position as the entrance to Central and Eastern Europe,” Zulkifli said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday (23/5/2024).

Zulkifli said that Indonesia's trade with Europe is still a third of Vietnam's trade with Europe. The use of export routes through the two ports is expected to boost Indonesia's trade with the EU, and with Italy in particular.

In addition, Ambassador Latteri also said that the Italian government together with private parties in Italy also offered technical solutions for Indonesia's leading export products, such as CPO and coffee, affected by the EU's deforestation policy.

One of the innovations offered is a certification scheme to ensure compliance with the requirements of such policies.

In order to discuss the Italian offer in more depth, Ambassador Latteri invited representatives of the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia to Italy to meet the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Port Authority of Genoa and Trieste. The meeting was aimed at opening discussions on the technical aspects that need to be considered.

On this occasion, Zulkifli also requested the support of the Italian Government for the completion of the negotiation of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement between Indonesia and the European Union (IEU-CEPA). Zulkifli said Indonesia and Italy shared a desire to complete the talks as quickly as possible.

“Indonesia has the same ambition to complete the IEU—CEPA negotiations by 2024 as instructed by President Joko Widodo and President Ursula von der Leyen. Indonesia welcomes the positive results achieved in the 18th round and the efforts to complete the CEPA negotiations,” Zulkifli said.

At this crucial stage, both sides are expected to approach pragmatically and show flexibility on certain issues of concern in order to reach mutually beneficial agreements for both parties.

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